A walking, talking work of art, Yasmin Kedem is as much muse as maker—colourful in her style and poetic in her every expression. Seated in her leafy loungeroom, surrounded by paintings and curious objects, she speaks with a gentle lilt about a life lived with feeling through art.
Her stories drift between theatre, exhibitions, murals and mask-making, each one unfolding through creative metaphor, with occasional references to Greek mythology and a sense of timeless wisdom woven throughout. She speaks of her fondness for jazz and the child-led philosophy of Reggio Emilia.
Part sage, part gypsy, wholly artist, Yasmin’s work is abstract and layered—rich with symbols and metaphors that explore the inner landscapes of the mind. Hers is a practice shaped by a life lived from the heart; one that has embraced both beauty and pain, yet continues to emerge with creativity, compassion and an enduring sense of hope.
Across decades of teaching and community work, she has used art as a powerful tool for connection and healing, guiding people of all ages back to themselves, and towards a sense of wholeness.
“Art is our first language, it allows the heart to have a voice,” she says. “It regulates the nervous system, and gives meaning to what we see.”
She continues, “Art is not an escape… it’s a way of returning – to ourselves, to each other, to what matters.”
This philosophy underpins her work developing multilingual, trauma-informed resources that blend visual art, psychology and storytelling—supporting communities who often fall through the cracks, including migrants, carers and young people navigating crisis.
It also informs her educational approach, which draws on the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy—where learners are seen as inherently capable and expressive, with “a hundred languages” through which to understand the world. Inquiry is often child-led, collaborative, and deeply responsive, with environments thoughtfully curated as a “third teacher” that invites exploration, reflection and connection.
When painting or facilitating workshops, Yasmin holds a deep commitment to human dignity and emotional truth; helping people envision what’s possible and supporting them as they step into it.”
“Art is not just decoration for me; it is a form of leadership, a way of shaping society towards compassion and courage.” Her approach has been shaped by a life lived across cultures. Born in Mexico and raised in diverse environments, she is fluent in English, French and Spanish, learning early that communication extends beyond words into attunement and nuance, underscoring the importance of active listening.
Kedem’s artistic lineage stretches back nine generations of artists and educators, providing a fertile ground for her art practice to flourish. Her career spans performance, academia and visual art: from crafting props, masks and sculptural costumes for ballet and contemporary dance, to creating large-scale inflatable stage pieces for television, including the ABC’s The Big Gig. Her work extends to university-commissioned murals, theatre productions at the Malthouse, and international collaborations such as costume design for the E-motion Dance Company at the José Limón Festival in Mexico. Across Australia, she has held 52 exhibitions of mixed media and oil painting, alongside video art commissions in the United States, where she created immersive visuals for contemplative music.
“Creativity is the engine of innovation,” she explains. “It’s how we reframe challenges, imagine solutions, and stay human in the process.”
“To help people make sense of their inner world, I use the discipline of an educator, the sensitivity of a therapist, and the imagination of an artist. Together they create a holistic approach that is both structured and deeply human.”
For Yasmin, leadership is inseparable from care. “Leadership, for me, is the ability to create psychological safety. A space where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves… People don’t need perfection, they need presence.”
Her vision is both simple and sophisticated. “I hope to leave a legacy of gentleness; a reminder that strength and softness are not opposites. Wherever we shine the light, the shadow disappears.”
Through her art, teaching and therapeutic work, Yasmin continues to demonstrate that healing and creativity can transform not only individuals, but the systems that hold them.
Find Yasmin on Facebook at Yasmini Heart Centred Therapy
